I was particularly drawn in by some of the details of the book. For example, names. Holocaust survivors are urged to change their birth-given names toI was particularly drawn in by some of the details of the book. For example, names. Holocaust survivors are urged to change their birth-given names to Hebrew ones. But Ephraim, the leader of the teenage boys, does not have to change *his* birth name, as he was born in the land and given a Hebrew name at birth. Another example - what and how the teenage boys are taught on the kibbutz. Slobotsky, described as a genius when he lived in Berlin, gives a lesson on Hannah’s prayer and compares her to Penina. The reaction of one of the boys: Why are we studying the Bible and not biology? And (in response to a suggestion to the main character getting an office job) here is a favorite line of mine: “Office work destroys the soul.”...more

She makes me want to study Talmud (I did not enjoy the subject when I was “fortunate” enough to have it forced upon me in high school). She would be fShe makes me want to study Talmud (I did not enjoy the subject when I was “fortunate” enough to have it forced upon me in high school). She would be fascinating to have as a chavruta (study partner). I found the topic of privacy and how she views it quite telling - she doesn’t say much in real life, but in this book she tells quite a bit, including how she deals with privacy issues. I loved how she managed clever, literary retorts both to an anesthesiologist in the hospital and to a rude guy on a plane. I look forward to reading more of her writing....more